Opera North at the Yorkshire Craft Centre - "What a way to spend a lunchtime!"
The Yorkshire Craft Centre was packed to the rafters on Wednesday 8th March 2006 for the eagerly awaited lunchtime concert by memb
ers of Opera North.
Joanne Dexter, soprano, and Rebecca Currier, mezzo-soprano, accompanied by John Querns, then delivered a musical feast that simply dazzled the audience. The varied programme comprised highlights from the three operas featured in their new season at the Alhambra Theatre: Mozart’s The Marriage of Figaro; Puccini’s La Rondine and Kurt Weill’s, Arms and the Cow. So that those for whom this was a first experience felt as comfortable as opera aficiandos, the artists interspersed each piece with explanations of the story behind each song.
The company held the showcase not only to promote their new season, but also to develop new audiences and by the end of the performance they had won many converts. The audience of staff, students and members of the public met each song with rapturous applause.
Academic Quality Officer, Jane Barrett, who had never been to an opera, wholeheartedly agreed and planned to purchase tickets for the Alhambra shows. “What fantastic voices. They filled this huge space without any microphones. I cannot believe that such powerful voices came from such petite women. This has been a perfect refresher after a morning’s work and a great way to raise staff morale.” Director’s PA, Lynn Scott, who is a seasoned opera-goer, enjoyed the intimacy of the event and felt the introductions enhanced the performances. BA (Hons) Fashion students were also very enthusiastic. Romola and Kirsty were pleasantly surprised and enjoyed hearing the different voices, while Laura, Nicola and Tiffany promised to purchase tickets for The Marriage of Figaro and Arms and the Cow.
The performers loved the ambience of the venue. “It is such a beautiful place to sing in” Joanne said, “and the sound quality is very resonant.” Opera North were so impressed that they booked the Yorkshire Craft Centre for a private evening reception the following week.
As the delighted audience were reluctantly returning to an afternoon of work, an overheard remark encapsulated the mood - “What a way to spend a lunchtime!”